Planting Broad Beans straight out or greenhouse first?

[mew]

Hi All

I have some broad beans Id like to plant but I was just wondering if it was best to plant them straight out or would be it be a better idea to start them off in a greenhouse (unheated)? Also can I use ordinary compost or am I best using seeding compost (this second question also relates to all my seeds, can I use ordinary compost?)

First timer and all that - want to try and get it right.

Thanks everyone

Michelle (MEW)

[Jarmara]

I've been pondering this one as well so please could some gardening sage of wisdom enlighten us ..

[9ball]

I'm certainly no sage of wisdom as this is also my first year of growing veg, but I've got mine growing in toilet roll tubes filled with potting compost on a window sill. I only potted them up yesterday so I don't know if this will work or not.

Tom

[the.fee.fairy]

You can do both. Its always worth experimenting.

If you have some cloches or the low poytunnel type thingies, then you can sow them directly in the ground and keep them covered.

Maybe try sowing 1/4 of them directly into the ground, 1/4 in the greenhouse and then see what happens so you know what to do with the other half.

But then, i'm an experimental grower, so that's what i'd do

[maggie144]

hi guys

Just thought i would let you all know that i have planted my broad beans straight out in the ground, no cloche nothing, they are growing well. i have always planted them this way.

My dad has been gardening for well over 50 years and he put his in in november they are hardy and can and will withstand the frost and all the weather conditions


hope this helps


maggie

[the.fee.fairy]

*adds planting broad beans to her list of things for this week*

[ohareward]

Hi all from downunder. This is from a book I have. I have not had any problems.
Cultivation
These beans need an open, sunny site, which is protected from strong winds, especially if you are growing the overwintering types. A reasonably fertile soil is required, and this is best achieved by incorporating manure or compost during the autumn dig. Overwintering varieties can be sown in the autumn. Other types should be sown in late winter or early spring.
Sow in double rows in a shallow trench 23 cm/9in wide and 4cm/1-1/2in deep. Alternatively, sow each seed individually with a dibber. In both cases, the seeds should be about 23cm/9in apart, and the rows should be 60cm/24in apart. Seeds can also be raised in pots or modules in late winter under glass and planted out in spring.
Taller varieties will need to be supported with string tied to canes that are set at intervals along each side of the double row. (The string needs to be 2-3 times up the canes, as the shorter stems will flop out the sides). When the beans are in full flower, pinch out the tender top by 8cm/3in to reduce the chance of blackfly infestation and to make the pods fill out. Water during dry periods.
Harvesting
Pick the pods when the beans inside have swollen. Some can be picked at an early stage for cooking whole. Do not allow the beans to become too old - that is, when they are leathery and pliable - or they will be tough and too floury. Some people like to cook and eat the young tops when they are removed.
Hope this is of benefit.
Robin

[Jack]

Gidday
Yeah I would have though up there you would have planted them in November or even a bit earlier. We always plant our in April and overwintering with hard frosts makes them harden up real good and come spring they sure do spring up and give very early food from your garden.

[Jarmara]

okay mine are going strat in the ground :)

[hedgewizard]

YOu can certainly sow broadies in the autumn to be ready earlier in the summer, but some varieties are frost hardy and some are not. Also, autumn-sown plants will produce beans that are a lot less sweet than summer-grown ones.

Personally I treat them as two separate crops and grow both. Although comparatively poor in yield and flavour, winter broadies come in during the hungry gap and they're SO welcome!

A word of warning; if you plant the autumn-sown ones too early they get leggy and are ripped up by the wind. That's why some books say they need protection; a later sowing so they just establish is better, and really doesn't affect the cropping time much.

[Christine]

I was signposted here by Robin from the allotments slot (cheers Robin)

I planted two lots of broad beans initially in toilet roll innards, using seed/cutting compost and popped them on a radiator, then on a windowsill, then under a cloche (I wanted to give them a chance against the slugs). The best bit is that the roots have grown through the sides of the toilet roll, so they are obviously able to cope with the method.

My query was about germination. I have sown 6 each of two varieties - Aquadulce and Witkiem Manita - and have only got 4 out of the 6 up. Those that have germinated are really strong and happy, so is this poor rate usual for BBeans?

[sawfish]

I usually get about a 95% success rate with broad beans sown direct in late March.

Try a few varieties, Witkiem Manita should give you beans a couple of weeks before the others even if sown in spring.

I just planted over 150 broad beans from small pots grown in a cold frame, never again, too much hassle. Just shove em in.

[hedgewizard]

150 broad beans? Like 'em then, do you?

Christine, despite their size broadies only last about 3 years after they are harvested, less if they are subjected to heat. On average you should expect about 80% of seeds of ANY sort to grow, so 4 or 5 out of six ain't too bad. Generally it's a good idea to sow about 20% more seeds than you think you'll need, or just pregerminate them (instructions elsewhere on forum I think) and plant them as soon as you see the first sign of life.

[greenbean]

Hi Mew, and all,

I usually sow them outside roundabout now, this year I have sown half in situ outside and half in my wee prop in the greenhouse, so a little experimentation. Let me know when you get your crop in as I have the most fabulous recipe for broad bean and mint risotto, it's from the famous Eagle pub in London and is divine, good luck!

[mew]

Hi Broadbean

Your recipe would be lovely

Still no show on the broadbeans as yet.

I sowed them in loo rolls and put them in the cold greenhouse with some enviromesh over them to 12 days ago. Not sure how long it usually takes for them to sprout as its my first year at growing veg.

Will let you know if they start saying hi (fingers crossed)

thanks

MEW